Make-Ahead Freezer Smoothie Packets

Of course, I have to have my morning coffee ... especially in the colder months.  But, I do love smoothies and know that they are super healthy (if made with the right ingredients) and a great way to start the day.

Here's a convenient and clever way to ensure you've always got everything prepped and ready to go for a quick smoothie to have with breakfast, in place of breakfast, for a kid's after-school snack or just as an afternoon pick-me-up for yourself!  Older kids can even whip up their smoothies on their own with these on hand!  You freeze your yogurt and fruit for smoothies in single serving baggies and keep them in the freezer until you're ready to blend together your drink!

Each baggie (or "packet") makes one large smoothie or two smaller portions.


Directions:

Start by freezing plain or vanilla yogurt in an ice cube tray until solid.  (If you opt for plain yogurt, you may want to sweeten up the smoothie when blending with a little honey or agave.)

If you don't have an ice cube tray handy, yogurt can be frozen in a mini muffin tin.

A 6 oz. container of yogurt filled 12 wells in my tray.  Each well is about 1 tablespoon.

If you're starting from fresh fruit, clean it and freeze it on a sheet tray with the fruit not touching.  (This will ensure that it doesn't freeze in a big clump together.)  If you're starting with frozen fruit, you're already good to go.

Place 1 1/2 cups of frozen fruit into sandwich-size storage or freezer bags.  (Berries, peaches, kiwi, mango or pineapple are excellent choices!)  Add in 5 - 6 yogurt cubes to each bag.  Seal and freeze.

A sliced banana can be added at the time of blending, if desired.  If you want to add the banana BEFORE freezing the packet, simply lay out banana slices on a sheet tray and freeze before adding to the pack.

When you're ready to make a smoothie, blend contents of bag with milk or juice until a smooth consistency is obtained. Since contents are already frozen, no need to add ice!

Oats, wheat grass, a handful of fresh spinach or flax seeds can be added in, too. 

Slurp away!